How to talk your parents into getting a cat

Well...I guess that's how this blog should start out.

(if you dont care to read my backstory, skip down to the bold)

Now don't get me wrong, im not 12 and trying to talk my parents into caring for "my" cat...Just simply wanting their permission before bringing a potentially loud and slightly displeasing smelling creature into the house...

I have been asking for a cat since i was 11 years old (after my kitten ran away because my brother brought a dog into our home). My parents constantly told me i didnt do a good enough job taking care of my kitten before so i couldnt get one..( ill take the blame for not taking great care of an animal..but come on I was 9...what do you really expect me to do? be the worlds greatest cat owner? )

I thought it was ridiculous, because throughout the years my dad banned inside animals...

I'm almost 18 now, soon to be engaged, and I go to college and work graveyard shifts five time a week, so I would say I have embraced the "adult world" to an extent.

I recently went into an animal shelter (bad decision as i knew i would fall in love with all of the kitties) and that is where i met Kovu. I instantly fell in love with this cat and felt such a great bond that i knew he had to come home with me and get out of that disgusting shelter.

I asked me mom, who instantly said "Ask your dad". (who, may i mention, had banned any form of "inside pet" for the last 5-6 years. He said animals just dont belong in the house and theyre smelly, and moody, and entitled, and yada yada yada... ) so when she said that, i figured i was doomed.

I approached him that evening and just flat out said "dad...can i get a cat?"....what do you think he said...haha just a blunt "no"

I am now the proud owner of a beautiful 3 1/2 year old grey kitty I named Kovu...

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1. Present reasons why you would love a companion animal.

2. Show that you can provide for the animal (for me it was having a constant income)

3. Show that you have a place for the animal that wont inconvenience the family.

4. If your parents are worried about the animal depositing around the house, maybe opt to get a CAT not a kitten that is already litter-box trained!

5. Explain that you would find great joy and responsibility in "rescuing" this animal from the shelter or foster home!

6. Present your parents with a specific cat that you feel you've already bonded with and explain why you really liked that particular animal.

7. Explain how great it would be to have a new member of the family to brighten up the household! Lap pets are GREAT and they really do bring new joy to family movie night!

8. Animals can just plain old be great fun! Tell them that!

9. If it is smell they are worried about, tell them you are willing to invest in a self cleaning litter-box (watch out, these are $100-150, so know what youre committing to!) and quality litter and food to reduce the displeasing smells.

10. Let them know that you value their approval and you respect their wishes...If they say no, DO NOT just bring one home..

11. Wait it out and pay your special kitty visits and maybe start volunteering at the shelter to show your parents that you are committed to this animal, and it is more than a phase.

GOODLUCK! <3